In September 2025, a Ciechanów driver with 2.6‰ alcohol was caught operating a Dacia Duster, leading to its seizure by Sierpc prosecutors and a proposal to hand it over to police forces.
Incident in Ciechanów
On mid‑September 2025, driver Mariusz S. from Ciechanów, with 2.6 per mille blood alcohol, was operating a Dacia Duster when he struck another vehicle while exiting a parking lot. The injured party’s owner confronted him until police arrived.
Prosecution and Charge
Investigators in Sierpc filed a charge of driving under the influence. The prosecuting attorney, Bartosz Maliszewski, referred the case to the Court in Ciechanów and listed the driver as a suspect for illegal operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Vehicle Seizure and Value
The car, described as a fully functional, multi‑year off‑road vehicle, was seized as potential forfeitable property because of the high alcohol level. Prosecutor Maliszewski estimated its value at about 46,000 zł.
Future Allocation to Police
The Sierpc District Prosecutor intends to request court approval to transfer the seized vehicle to armed services, enabling officers to use the SUV in crime‑fighting activities.
Trial Date and Legal Context
The first hearing is set for early December 2025 before the Ciechanów District Court. The case illustrates the use of forfeiture statutes for vehicles driven in severe intoxication, serving both punitive and preventative purposes.
